BUTTERFLY AND HURRICANE
As soon as I left the club area, I immediately stopped a conventional taxi that happened to be passing by. Along the way, I did not stop crying, more precisely lamenting fate. Without being ordered, the shadow appeared shameless.
It is still clearly recorded in my brain when the car I was traveling in with Papa and Mama had an accident and fell into a ravine. Papa died immediately at the scene, while Mama suffered serious head injuries. Until finally, he died on the way to the hospital.
I don't know whether to be grateful or not when I escaped from the pit of death. My condition is fine. However, the neck wound and post-accident trauma combined into a hammer that smashed into my consciousness mercilessly. Yes, I must lose the ability to speak and languish in a new world. The world is silent because I can no longer speak, scream, hum, even laugh.
Thirty minutes later, a taxi stopped in my yard. After paying the fare, I got out of the car. The night wind seemed reluctant to rustle, as if it knew how pitiful it was. With steps as heavy as an elephant, I moved towards the terrace. Right after the door closed, my body suddenly slumped to the floor. I can no longer contain tears. Yes, even though I was mute, my heart still ached when I heard Nino's words.
In the midst of the confusion, I reached for the peach enveloped card. I deliberately prepared it if one day I could meet my savior again. However, it seems this card has no meaning now. So, as fast as a flash I shoved it back into my bag, then grabbed my phone and started texting.
[Sis Marsha, I'm already at home. Tomorrow I won't come to FG. Sorry, yeah, had to bother you.]
Sister Marsha:
Ok Ray, I get it. If you need anything, just contact me...
[Thanks]
I played Alexandre Desplat's The Meadow on Papa's white piano, filled with sadness and loneliness. By hearing the sound of the piano, it feels like the world is no longer silent. Rows of tones from the black and white keys are like a powerful antidote to my longing for Papa and Mama.
Again, the temporal lobes are acting up. Take me to the past memories. Precisely when Papa taught me to play the piano. Almost every day before nightfall, we will collaborate to bring songs with a slow tempo that stirs the soul.
Just as the song ended, there was a knock on the door. After wiping away the tears, I headed towards the living room. Just as the door opened, Nino appeared to be smiling. I hastily pushed a rectangular object made of teak wood.
Questions about Nino jostled each other in the nodes of the brain. How did he know my house? Ah, I almost got amnesia. I'm sure it was Kak Marsha who told me my address.
"Yara, wait!" Nino's hands held the door.
I didn't respond, trying to keep pushing the door. Likewise with Nino. Now, we are pushing each other. Of course it's impossible for a weak girl like me to match the strength of Nino who is big and tall.
"I'm sorry." Nino immediately spit out the word when the door opened wide.
I stood stiff, looking down to avoid eye contact with Nino. Truly, the look in her eyes was too dangerous for anyone to look at, including me.
Yes, being mute certainly does not hinder my knowledge of the opposite sex. Nino's figure reminds me of the image of a fictional character on the orange application. A barbaric appearance which actually further triggers the pounding of the chests of the Eve.
Tsk! I shook my head slowly, throwing away wild imaginations about the man in front of me. Looks like I'll have to limit reading labeled two one plus for the sake of sanity.
"I really don't know about your condition. I'm sorry.
Slowly I lifted my face and examined Nino's face, looking for lies in the dark brown beads, but nothing. He looked apologetic. Not wanting to play drama and stall for time, I nodded. As a sign that I have forgiven him. What's more, Nino once helped me when I was attacked by thugs.
"So, we're good, huh?"
I nodded while fixing my focus on him. There was a gamma gleam in Nino's eyes. Maybe he still doesn't believe I can apologize in less than two minutes. Or it could be that he thought he was going to be involved in a long drama to melt my heart. Of course he was wrong. I'm not a mean girl who likes to play sneaky tricks. The regret that was clearly mapped on her beautiful face was enough to bring relief. At the very least, he could learn to use his mouth better so as not to hurt feelings.
"Thanks Ra."
Again I nodded.
"So, we can be friends, right?"
It's like an electric shock in my heart. Involuntarily, I raised my right eyebrow. Spontaneous gestures when I mute wonder. Only this time there was a man who offered friendship. Especially knowing my mute condition.
"You refuse me?" Nino stared at me intently. Maybe he noticed my awkward movements.
"Okay, I guess I can't expect much here. Goodbye, Ra," said Nino when I didn't respond. Maybe his pride was hurt.
I feel like stepping on a fragile bridge called giddy. If it can be described, maybe beside my head there is already a debate between an angel and an evil demon. The good side struggled to get me to accept Nino's offer. After all, being friends with men is not a big mistake. Meanwhile, the evil side was screaming to reject my benefactor's wish. It could be a new mode of men who want to manipulate girls like me.
Perhaps because he was tired of waiting for an answer, Nino turned around. However, my hands seem to have a will of their own. Shamelessly tugged at the back of the jacket he was wearing.
Suddenly he turned. My face is burning. It could be as red as satanic chili sauce. To cover up my embarrassment, I pointed at the white sofa in the middle of the living room. Gesture to ask him to sit down.
Faintly, the corners of Nino's lips lifted. His steps were steady towards the sofa. He planted his butt there. I could see Nino's eyes darting around, then stopping at the white piano in the living room.
"You played the piano earlier?"
I answered Nino's question with a nod. My palms rose to signal him to wait. Half running, I climbed the stairs, moments later came down carrying a small notepad, ballpoint pen, and peach-colored envelope.
Wasting no time, I plopped down on the couch next to Nino, then wrote on a piece of paper and pasted it onto an envelope. After that, I handed the envelope and a small note to Nino.
Even though Nino's face looked confused, he couldn't stop his hand from accepting the envelope and reading my writing on a piece of paper.
'Sorry for giving you this now, because I don't know where you live.'
Nino started to open envelopes. Her hand pulled out a card with a peach rose on it.
'Peach roses mean a sign of thanks.
Thank you for helping and saving me from those thugs. I don't know how to reply. I will always pray, that God will always protect and give you happiness throughout your life.'
Remembering the contents of the card and seeing Nino's silent expression, I feel embarrassed myself. Ah, I should not have had to give this ridiculous card. That way, Nino doesn't have to read the ridiculous things in it.
"Once again I'm sorry. And thanks for this.” Unexpectedly, Nino smiled and held up the envelope in his hand.
I wrote something in a small notepad. 'I'm also sorry for being late in saying my thanks. I am indebted to you.’
"You don't owe me anything," said Nino after reading my post.
My hands move again to form words. 'How can that be? Tell me, what can I do to repay your kindness?’
Long enough to wait, but no response whatsoever from Nino. He looked unmoved. Maybe deep in thought.
"Be my friend."
Only three words, but enough to make my heart beat wildly. Did he eat wrong to offer me friendship? Quickly, my hand moved the pen across the paper.
'No kidding. This isn't funny at all.'
"Do I look like I'm kidding?"
There was nothing strange on Nino's face. His facial expression tends to be as calm as a lake. Ah, but come on! A nightclub owner asked me to be friends? Seriously!
“Okay, you must think this is like… um impromptu. Or maybe you think I'm here because of Marsha, and feel bad for bullying the boss. No! I really want to apologize for my bastard mouth.”
Reasons are quite reasonable. Behind Nino's sensual lips, he has a sharp tongue. This time, I one hundred percent agree with what he said.
"Honestly, I feel sorry for making so many mistakes with you. I thought you were an ungrateful scumbag….”
I glared. Obviously not accept Nino's heinous accusations. Nino winced as he scratched the nape of his neck.
“Too much, huh? I've thought all kinds of things, uh, even insulted you anyway. It seems that my clumsiness is no longer being helped." Nino let out a rough breath.
I wish I could laugh out loud. Unfortunately there is no ability to do so. So, I just swallowed a smile, enjoying the look of guilt on Nino's face.
“Marsha's slap and swearing made me realize. Then add this…” Nino held up my card. "Make me like slapped many times."
Did Marsha hit Nino's par? It's a bit scary to imagine how barbaric Kak Marsha was at that time. He is already like an older brother who is ready to attach his body to protect me.
"So Yara. Do you want to be my friend?" Smiling, Nino took his cell phone out of his leather jacket pocket. "I need your number," he said, handing me the phone.
For a moment, I froze. Obviously this is a new experience after I was declared mute. With a bit of hesitation, I grabbed Nino's cell phone and started entering contact numbers.
"Okay, I'll call you later. And if you need help or a bodyguard, you can contact me." Nino joked when he received a cell phone from me. "I'm sorry," he continued, standing up.
I stood up too, then escorted Nino to the terrace. Remembering something, I wrote a few words on the paper then handed it to Nino.
'Although it's late I want to say: Happy birthday ....'
Nino's lips covered a smile after reading my writing. "Thanks."
All I gave was a nod before Nino got on his big motorbike and drove out of the yard. Long enough I was stunned on the terrace. Just realized that Nino was the first young man to set foot in this house.
***
Crazy, one word that can describe Nino's behavior. After his arrival four days ago, a continuous barrage of messages flooded my cell phone. He was not kidding when he said he would contact often. Every time, a notification clink enliven the atmosphere. It was new for me to have the courage to communicate with testis creatures.
From this message exchange, more or less I understand Nino's character. He's the caring type, judging by the trivial messages that remind me of mealtimes and bedtime. He's also impatient, as seen from the grumpy chats that are always sent every time I'm late to reply to a message. Even though he seems childish, I don't mind his attitude. I don't know, my soul and heart feel so light now.
Nino :
What are you doing?
[Want to water the flowers. Brother Nino?]
Nino :
Think about it. And suddenly I want to be a flower
Tsk! What is this? I think I need ice water to reduce the heat on the face. As a result, I just sent a faint sticker.
Nino:
Don't faint, I'll panic. If you fall in love, it hurts, right?
Remind me to breathe. One character of Nino that escaped my attention. As it turns out, he belongs to a dangerous species. First-class seducer.
[Duh, crap. Aren't you at the club?]
Nino :
It's still late, Ray. What are you doing there? Mopping?
Hey, when can I go to the store?
[Okay, I'll give a special discount for Sis Nino later.]
Nino :
So if I come to the store, I have to buy flowers first.
[Yeah, not really. I just wanted a promotion :)]
Nino :
Ha ha ha. It's a shame the club doesn't need flowers. Try it, I need it for display, I'll become your loyal customer so I can get a special discount :')
[Not only flowers for display. If Sis Nino wants to buy a bouquet of flowers for the girl, that's fine too.]
Nino :
Too bad I don't have a girl.
[Ciee vent! After all, if you already have a girlfriend, buy flowers at my shop.]
Nino :
Ciee forcibly! It can be arranged, as long as the discount is still valid. Hohoho.
[You have to force it, I'm crazy for money :p]
Nino :
No, don't make me crazy. More promising!
What the hell! For Upin Ipin's sake, who didn't finish Kindergarten, Nino's message really didn't make sense. I just found out that rockers can throw teases that fresh. And how cheap I was to fall for Nino's seduction. Because right now, not only was my face hot, but my body was burning.
After neutralizing the feelings that are not frivolous, I typed a reply message.
Say goodbye first, want to feed the flowers.
Yes, ending the conversation with Nino is a wise move to maintain mental health.
Nino :
Ouch, so jealous of flowers. When is it my turn to be fed?
Good grief! He's crazy. I have been staring at the phone screen for a long time. No ideas to type a reply. Perhaps feeling ignored, he returned to texting.
Nino :
Btw, you really like flowers, right? Until philosophizing using flowers.
I frowned after reading Nino's message. Then, the hand moves to the keypad.
[It means?]
Nino :
Lo said, peach roses mean thank you.
[Not a philosophy, every flower has its own language.]
Nino :
Oh shit! Turns out flowers can talk. Then what flower signifies the beginning of friendship?
Smiling, I wrote a reply.
[Yellow rose.]
***
There is nothing more pleasant than seeing the flowers that have been cared for wholeheartedly begin to thrive. My eyes scanned all around the small greenhouse behind the shop. The breeding place for flower seeds as well as my hermitage all this time.
Florist Glow, the name given by Mama when she founded this flower shop business. Located in Kuningan area close to ITC. Initially the store only provided vases and bouquets of flowers. However, over time, the service expanded to offer standing flowers, preserved flowers, and dried flowers.
After adding a few drops of water to the row of irises, I got out of the greenhouse and washed my hands. My steps continued to swing towards the shop, then stopped right next to the counter. You can see Nino's towering body entering the shop.
"Afternoon," he greeted, smiling at me.
Before I could smile back, Kak Marsha appeared from the back door. Both hands carry a medium-sized pot filled with daisies.
"Afternoon—uh, there's a stray rocker, here."
"Is that how you welcome customers?" Nino turned his gaze to the rows of flowers in the shop.
I just swallowed a smile. Alright, looks like there will be an exciting show between Nino and Kak Marsha. It's not without reason that I'm this enthusiastic. The interaction between the two friends is too ridiculous for people their age to do. Throwing jokes and sarcasm as if it was fun for both of them. At least, that's what happened when Nino visited the store yesterday.
“Customers? Didn't hear wrong, huh? Since when did you like flowers?” Kak Marsha looked at Nino in surprise.
"Ouch, nag. I want to buy flowers…” Nino's eyes widened. I do not know what flower he was looking for.
Kak Marsha put a daisy flower in one corner of the shop. "What flowers do you want?"
"Are there yellow roses?"
I was stunned, thinking back to the chat three days ago. Suddenly my eyes fell on Nino. He stared back, then winked. What a master seducer!
"Eh, No, usually girls like red, pink, white, or purple roses. Why did you choose yellow? What are you trying to do?" asked Kak Marsha while looking at Nino.
Nino looked a little stuttered. Then suddenly his eyes turned to me. "Because yellow roses symbolize the beginning of friendship."
Kak Marsha chuckled, “I've been your best friend for a long time, but you've never given me flowers. Play favor!"
"Your fuss doesn't go away, does it? Are there any yellow roses?” Nino's face looked irritated.
"The hobby of being angry is kept," sneered Kak Marsha, grabbing a yellow rose in a large pot at the far right of the room.
Look! Both are like Tom and Jerry who never get along. While holding back a laugh, I plopped down on the seat behind the counter. Unexpectedly, Nino approached and sat in the chair in front of me.
"Let's eat!"
My eyes glanced at the alarm clock on the table. It's only ten in the morning. Too late for breakfast, but too early for lunch.
"I haven't had breakfast yet," he muttered. Perhaps he noticed my astonishment.
I glanced at Kak Marsha who seemed serious about arranging yellow roses into an attractive bouquet. After that my gaze fixed on the face of the man in front of me. Now, I pressed the cell phone keypad and showed it to Nino.
'Sorry, I can't leave the shop outside of lunch time.'
Nino's gaze stabbed at me after reading the text. He leaned back in the chair with his arms crossed. "In that case, I'll wait until lunch time."
Eh? What do you mean try? Doesn't he have other useful things that he has to spend two clockwise turns waiting for me? It seems like the boss instinct is ingrained in Nino. To the extent that he hates rejection.
"Finished!"
Kak Marsha's exclamation crushed my thoughts. Nino seemed to take a wallet in his trouser pocket, then took out several bills.
"Eh, this advantage," said Kak Marsha when Nino put the money on the table.
"It's okay. For you."
Kak Marsha's smile widened. He didn't forget to wink at Nino. "I often buy flowers here, okay, No."
I swallowed a smile when I saw Nino roll his eyes. Meanwhile, Kak Marsha laughed as she walked towards the flower rack.
For a moment my and Nino's eyes met. When he was about to turn his attention to the cellphone screen, he thrust a bouquet at me.
"Here, for you."
I was nervous, swallowing hard to moisten my suddenly dry throat. In fact, Kak Marsha immediately looked away from the chrysanthemums to me and Nino.
"Yellow roses are the sign of the beginning of friendship, right? So, I'm giving this to you," added Nino. His hand was still hanging in the air.
My eyes lingered on the bouquet containing a string of yellow roses. Even though it's been thousands of days coiled with flowers, getting a beautiful bouquet from a man clearly has a different effect. There are subtle pulses that creep slowly fill my heart. Happy? Who knows. I myself am still smothered confused.
Ah, Nino is really good at driving people crazy.
***
BUTTERFLY AND HURRICANE
Part 2 dan 3
Sesaat keluar dari area kelab, aku langsung menghentikan taksi konvesional yang kebetulan hendak melintas. Sepanjang perjalanan, aku tidak berhenti menangis, lebih tepatnya meratapi nasib. Tanpa diperintah, bayangan itu muncul tak tahu malu.
Masih terekam jelas di otakku ketika mobil yang kutumpangi bersama Papa dan Mama mengalami kecelakaan dan masuk jurang. Papa langsung meninggal di tempat kejadian, sedangkan Mama mengalami luka parah di bagian kepala. Sampai akhirnya, beliau meninggal dalam perjalanan ke rumah sakit.
Entah harus bersyukur atau tidak saat aku lolos dari lubang maut. Kondisiku memang baik-baik saja. Akan tetapi, luka di daerah leher dan trauma pasca kecelakaan berpadu menjadi palu yang menghantam kesadaranku tanpa ampun. Ya, aku harus kehilangan kemampuan bicara dan mendekam dalam dunia baru. Dunia sunyi karena aku tidak mampu lagi bersuara, berteriak, bersenandung, bahkan tergelak sekalipun.
Tiga puluh menit kemudian, taksi berhenti di halaman rumahku. Selesai membayar ongkos, aku turun dari mobil. Angin malam seperti enggan berdesir, seolah-olah tahu bagaimana nelangsanya diri ini. Dengan langkah seberat gajah, aku bergerak menuju teras. Tepat setelah pintu tertutup, tubuhku sontak merosot ke lantai. Tangis tak bisa lagi kubendung. Ya, walau keadaanku memang bisu, tetapi tetap saja hati terasa nyeri mendengar ucapan Nino.
Di tengah kekalutan, aku meraih kartu beramplop peach. Aku sengaja mempersiapkannya jika suatu saat nanti bisa bertemu dengan penolongku lagi. Namun, sepertinya kartu ini tidak memiliki arti sekarang. Jadi, secepat kilat aku menyimpannya kembali ke dalam tas, kemudian meraih ponsel dan mulai mengetik pesan.
[Kak Marsha, aku udah di rumah. Besok aku nggak datang ke FG. Maaf, ya, harus membuatmu repot.]
Kak Marsha :
Ok, Ra, aku ngerti. Kalo butuh apa2, hubungi aku ya...
[Thanks]
Aku memainkan The Meadow karya Alexandre Desplat di piano putih milik Papa, mencurahkan kesedihan dan sepi. Dengan mendengar denting piano, rasanya dunia tak lagi sunyi. Deretan nada dari tuts hitam putih seperti penawar ampuh kerinduanku kepada Papa dan Mama.
Lagi-lagi, lobus temporal berulah. Mengantarkanku pada memori masa silam. Tepatnya saat Papa mengajariku bermain piano. Hampir setiap hari menjelang malam, kami akan berkolaborasi membawakan lagu-lagu bertempo pelan nan menggetarkan jiwa.
Bertepatan dengan berakhirnya lagu, terdengar ketukan pintu. Usai menghapus air mata, aku beranjak menuju ruang tamu. Baru saja pintu terbuka, tampak Nino melempar senyum. Buru-buru aku mendorong benda persegi panjang berbahan kayu jati.
Pertanyaan seputar Nino saling berdesakan di simpul otak. Dari mana dia tahu rumahku? Ah, aku hampir amnesia. Pasti Kak Marsha-lah yang memberi tahu alamatku.
“Yara, bentar!” Kedua tangan Nino menahan pintu.
Aku enggan menanggapi, berusaha terus mendorong pintu. Begitu pula dengan Nino. Kini, kami saling adu dorong. Tentu saja gadis lemah sepertiku mustahil menandingi kekuatan Nino yang bertubuh besar dan tinggi.
“Gue minta maaf.” Nino langsung menyemburkan kata saat pintu terbuka lebar.
Aku berdiri kaku, menunduk demi menghindari kontak mata dengan Nino. Sungguh, sorot matanya terlalu berbahaya bagi siapa pun yang memandang, termasuk aku.
Ya, menjadi tunawicara tentu tidak menghalangi pengetahuanku soal lawan jenis. Sosok Nino mengingatkanku kepada gambaran tokoh fiksi di aplikasi oranye. Penampilan barbar yang justru makin memicu debaran dada para kaum Hawa.
Ck! Aku menggeleng pelan, membuang imajinasi liar tentang pria di hadapan. Sepertinya aku harus membatasi bacaan berlabel dua satu plus demi menjaga kewarasan.
“Gue beneran nggak tahu soal kondisi lo. Sorry, ya.”
Perlahan aku mengangkat wajah dan menyelisik wajah Nino, mencari-cari kebohongan di manik cokelat pekat, tetapi nihil. Dia tampak menyesal. Tak ingin bermain drama dan mengulur waktu, aku mengangguk. Sebagai tanda bahwa aku sudah memaafkannya. Terlebih lagi Nino pernah menolongku waktu diserang para begundal.
“Jadi, kita udah baikan, nih?”
Aku mengangguk sembari memaku fokus kepadanya. Ada sinar gamam di manik mata Nino. Mungkin dia masih belum percaya aku bisa memberi maaf dalam waktu kurang dari dua menit. Atau bisa jadi dia mengira akan terlibat drama panjang untuk meluluhkan hatiku. Tentu dia salah besar. Aku bukan gadis kejam yang suka bermain trik licik. Penyesalan yang terpeta jelas di wajah rupawannya sudah cukup mendatangkan rasa lega. Setidaknya, dia bisa belajar untuk menggunakan mulutnya lebih baik agar tidak melukai banyak perasaan.
“Makasih, Ra.”
Kembali aku mengangguk.
“Jadi, kita bisa berteman, ‘kan?”
Seperti ada kejutan listrik di hatiku. Tanpa sadar, aku mengangkat alis kanan. Gestur spontan saat aku diperam heran. Baru kali ini ada seorang pria menawarkan pertemanan. Terlebih tahu kondisiku yang tunawicara.
“Lo nolak gue?” Nino menatapku lekat. Bisa jadi dia menyadari gerakanku yang rikuh.
“Oke, kayaknya gue nggak bisa berharap banyak di sini. Selamat tinggal, Ra,” celetuk Nino saat aku tak kunjung merespons. Mungkin harga dirinya tengah terluka.
Aku seperti menginjak jembatan rapuh bernama gamang. Jika bisa digambarkan, mungkin di samping kepalaku sudah ada perdebatan malaikat dan iblis jahat. Sisi baik meronta agar aku menerima tawaran Nino. Toh, berteman dengan pria bukanlah suatu kesalahan besar. Sementara itu, sisi jahat berteriak untuk menolak keinginan pria penolongku. Bisa jadi itu modus baru pria yang ingin memanipulasi gadis sepertiku.
Mungkin karena lelah menunggu jawaban, Nino membalikkan badan. Namun, tanganku seperti punya kemauan sendiri. Dengan tidak tahu malu menarik bagian belakang jaket yang dia kenakan.
Sontak dia menoleh. Wajahku seperti terbakar. Bisa jadi sudah semerah sambal setan. Demi menutupi malu, aku menunjuk sofa putih di tengah ruang tamu. Gestur untuk mempersilakannya duduk.
Samar, sudut bibir Nino terangkat. Langkahnya begitu mantap mendekati sofa. Dia menyamankan bokongnya di sana. Bisa kulihat mata Nino mengedar sekeliling, lalu terhenti ke piano putih di ruang tengah.
“Tadi lo yang main piano?”
Pertanyaan Nino hanya aku balas dengan anggukan. Kedua telapak tanganku terangkat demi memberi kode kepadanya untuk menunggu. Setengah berlari, aku menaiki tangga, beberapa saat kemudian turun sambil membawa notes kecil, bolpoin, dan amplop warna peach.
Tanpa membuang masa, aku mengempaskan diri di sofa samping Nino, kemudian menulis di kertas dan menempelkannya ke sebuah amplop. Setelah itu, aku menyerahkan amplop beserta catatan kecil kepada Nino.
Meski wajah Nino tampak bingung, tak urung tangannya menerima amplop dan membaca tulisanku di secarik kertas.
‘Maaf baru kasih ini sekarang, karena aku nggak tahu tempat tinggal kamu.’
Nino mulai membuka amplop. Tangannya menarik keluar sebuah kartu bergambar bunga mawar peach.
'Mawar peach berarti tanda ucapan terima kasih.
Terima kasih telah menolong dan menyelamatkanku dari preman itu. Aku tidak tahu bagaimana cara untuk membalasnya. Aku akan selalu berdoa, semoga Tuhan akan selalu menjaga dan memberimu kebahagiaan sepanjang hidup kamu.'
Mengingat isi kartu dan melihat ekspresi diam Nino, aku jadi malu sendiri. Ah, harusnya tadi aku tidak perlu memberikan kartu konyol ini. Dengan begitu, Nino tak perlu membaca hal menggelikan di dalamnya.
“Sekali lagi gue minta maaf. Dan makasih untuk ini.” Tanpa disangka, Nino tersenyum dan mengacungkan amplop di tangannya.
Aku menulis sesuatu di notes kecil. ‘Aku juga minta maaf karena terlambat mengucapkan terima kasih. Aku berhutang budi sama kamu.’
“Lo nggak berhutang apa-apa sama gue,” sahut Nino setelah membaca tulisanku.
Kembali tanganku bergerak merangkai kata. ‘Mana boleh begitu? Katakan padaku, apa yang bisa aku lakukan untuk membalas kebaikan kamu?’
Cukup lama menunggu, tetapi tak ada respons apa pun dari Nino. Dia tampak bergeming. Mungkin tenggelam dalam pikirannya.
“Jadi teman gue.”
Hanya tiga kata, tetapi cukup memacu jantungku berdetak liar. Apa dia salah makan hingga menawariku pertemanan? Dengan cepat, tanganku menggerakkan pena di kertas.
‘Jangan bercanda. Ini sama sekali nggak lucu.’
“Apa gue kelihatan bercanda?”
Memang tak ada hal ganjil di wajah Nino. Mimik mukanya cenderung setenang telaga. Ah, tetapi ayolah! Seorang pemilik kelab malam mengajakku berteman? Yang benar saja!
“Oke, lo pasti nganggep ini kayak … ehm impromptu. Atau mungkin lo mikir gue ke sini karena Marsha, dan merasa nggak enak udah bully bosnya. No! Gue emang niat minta maaf karena mulut jahanam gue.”
Alasan yang cukup masuk akal. Di balik bibir sensual Nino, memang tersimpan lidah tajam. Kali ini, aku seratus persen setuju dengan ucapannya.
“Jujur, gue ngerasa menyesal udah bikin banyak salah sama lo. Gue pikir lo cewek songong yang nggak tahu terima kasih ….”
Aku mendelik. Jelas tidak terima dengan tuduhan keji Nino. Tampak Nino meringis sembari menggaruk tengkuk.
“Keterlaluan, ya? Udah mikir macem-macem, eh, malah ngehina lo pula. Kayaknya keberengsekan gue emang udah nggak ketolong lagi.” Nino mengembuskan napas kasar.
Ingin sekali aku tertawa keras. Sayangnya tidak ada kemampuan untuk melakukannya. Jadi, aku hanya mengulum senyum, menikmati raut bersalah di wajah Nino.
“Tamparan dan sumpah serapah Marsha bikin gue sadar. Lalu ditambah ini ….” Nino mengacungkan kartu pemberianku. “Bikin gue kayak tertam par berkali-kali.”
Kak Marsha menam par Nino? Agak ngeri membayangkan bagaimana barbarnya Kak Marsha saat itu. Dia memang sudah seperti kakak yang siap pasang badan melindungiku.
“Jadi, Yara. Mau, kan, jadi teman gue?” Sembari tersenyum, Nino mengeluarkan ponsel dari saku jaket kulitnya. “Gue minta nomor lo,” katanya sambil menyodorkan ponsel kepadaku.
Untuk sejenak, aku mematung. Jelas-jelas ini pengalaman baru pasca aku dinyatakan bisu. Dengan sedikit ragu, aku meraih ponsel Nino dan mulai memasukkan nomor kontak.
“Oke, gue hubungi lo nanti. Dan jika lo butuh bantuan atau bodyguard, bisa hubungi gue.” Nino berkelakar saat menerima ponsel dariku. “Gue pamit,” lanjutnya seraya berdiri.
Aku ikut berdiri, lalu mengantarkan Nino sampai teras. Teringat sesuatu, aku menulis beberapa kata di kertas lalu menyerahkannya kepada Nino.
‘Walau terlambat aku ingin bilang: Happy birthday ....’
Bibir Nino mengulas senyum setelah membaca tulisanku. “Thanks.”
Hanya anggukan yang aku berikan sebelum Nino menunggangi dan melajukan motor besarnya keluar halaman. Cukup lama aku tercenung di teras. Baru sadar bahwa Nino menjadi pemuda pertama yang menginjakkan kaki di rumah ini.
***
Gi la, satu kata yang mampu menggambarkan tingkah Nino. Setelah kedatangannya empat hari lalu, rentetan pesan tak henti menyerbu ponselku. Dia ternyata tidak main-main saat mengatakan akan sering menghubungi. Setiap waktu, denting notifikasi meramaikan suasana. Hal baru bagiku yang berani berkomunikasi dengan makhluk bertes tis.
Dari pertukaran pesan inilah, sedikit banyak aku memahami karakter Nino. Dia tipe perhatian, dilihat dari pesan sepele yang mengingatkanku tentang jadwal makan dan jam tidur. Dia juga tidak sabaran, tampak dari chat uringan-uringan yang selalu dikirim setiap kali aku telat membalas pesan. Meski terkesan kekanakan, aku tidak keberatan dengan sikapnya. Entahlah, jiwa dan hatiku terasa begitu ringan sekarang.
Nino :
Lagi apa nih?
[Mau nyiram bunga. Kak Nino?]
Nino :
Mikirin lo. Dan mendadak gue pingin jadi bunga.
Ck! Apa-apaan ini? Sepertinya aku butuh air es untuk meredam panas di wajah. Alhasil, aku hanya mengirim stiker pingsan.
Nino:
Jangan pingsan, entar gue panik lho. Kalo jatuh hati kan sakit, ya.
Ingatkan aku untuk bernapas. Satu karakter Nino yang luput dari pengamatanku. Ternyata, dia termasuk spesies berbahaya. Perayu kelas wahid.
[Dih, gombal. Nggak ke kelab?]
Nino :
Masih sore, Ra. Emang mau apa ke sana? Ngepel?
Eh, kapan-kapan gue boleh main ke toko?
[Boleh, nanti aku kasih diskon spesial buat Kak Nino.]
Nino :
Jadi kalo nyamperin ke toko, gue mesti beli bunga dulu nih.
[Ya nggak juga, sih. Aku tadi cuma mau sekalian promosi :)]
Nino :
Hahaha. Sayang di kelab nggak butuh bunga. Coba butuh buat pajangan, gue bakal jadi pelanggan setia lo biar dapat diskon spesial :’)
[Nggak hanya bunga buat pajangan. Kalo Kak Nino mau beli buket bunga untuk ceweknya juga boleh.]
Nino :
Sayang sekali, gue nggak punya cewek.
[Ciee curhat! Nanti pokoknya kalo udah punya cewek, beli bunganya ke tokoku.]
Nino :
Ciee maksa! Bisa diaturlah, selama diskonnya masih berlaku. Hohoho.
[Harus maksa dong, kan aku gila uang :p]
Nino :
Janganlah, gilain gue aja. Lebih menjanjikan!
What the h*ll! Demi Upin Ipin yang tidak tamat-tamat TK, pesan Nino sungguh tidak masuk akal. Aku baru tahu kalau rocker bisa melempar godaan segaring itu. Dan betapa murahannya aku sampai terperangkap rayuan Nino. Karena sekarang, tidak hanya wajahku yang panas, tetapi tubuhku terasa terbakar.
Selesai menetralkan perasaan yang tidak keruan, aku mengetik pesan balasan.
Pamit dulu, mau kasih makan bunga.
Ya, mengakhiri obrolan dengan Nino adalah tindakan bijaksana demi menjaga kesehatan jiwa.
Nino :
Haduh, jadi cemburu sama bunga. Kapan giliran gue dikasih makan?
Astaga! Dia memang gila. Lama aku diam menekuri layar ponsel. Tidak ada ide untuk mengetik balasan. Mungkin karena merasa diabaikan, dia kembali mengirim pesan.
Nino :
Btw, suka bgt sama bunga, ya? Sampe berfilosofi pake bunga.
Aku mengerutkan kening setelah membaca pesan Nino. Lalu, tangan bergerak menowel keypad.
[Maksudnya?]
Nino :
Lo bilang, mawar peach artinya ucapan terima kasih.
[Bukan filosofi, setiap bunga punya bahasa sendiri.]
Nino :
Eh buset! ternyata bunga bisa ngomong. Lalu bunga apa yang menandakan dimulainya persahabatan?
Sembari tersenyum, aku menulis balasan.
[Mawar kuning.]
***
Tidak ada hal paling menyenangkan selain melihat bunga-bunga yang dijaga sepenuh hati mulai tumbuh subur. Mataku memindai segala penjuru rumah kaca kecil di belakang toko. Tempat pembiakan bibit kembang sekaligus pertapaanku selama ini.
Florist Glow, nama yang disematkan Mama saat mendirikan usaha toko bunga ini. Terletak di daerah Kuningan dekat dengan ITC. Awalnya toko hanya menyediakan bunga vas dan buket. Namun, seiring perkembangan waktu, layanan melebar hingga menawarkan standing flower, preserved flower, dan dried flower.
Usai memberi beberapa tetes air ke deretan bunga iris, aku beranjak keluar rumah kaca dan mencuci tangan. Langkahku terus mengayun menuju toko, lalu terhenti tepat di samping kanan meja counter. Tampak tubuh menjulang Nino memasuki toko.
“Siang,” sapanya sembari tersenyum ke arahku.
Belum sempat aku membalas senyum, Kak Marsha muncul dari pintu belakang. Kedua tangannya membawa pot ukuran tanggung berisi bunga daisy.
“Siang—eh, ada rocker nyasar, nih.”
“Seperti itukah cara lo menyambut customer?” Nino mengalihkan pandangan ke deretan bunga dalam toko.
Aku hanya mengulum senyum. Baiklah, sepertinya akan ada pertunjukan seru antara Nino dan Kak Marsha. Bukan tanpa alasan aku seantusias ini. Interaksi dua sahabat itu memang terlampau konyol untuk dilakukan orang seusia mereka. Melempar ledekan dan nyinyiran seolah-olah hal menyenangkan bagi keduanya. Setidaknya, itulah yang terjadi saat Nino menyambangi toko kemarin.
“Customer? Nggak salah dengar, nih? Sejak kapan kamu suka bunga?” Kak Marsha memandang Nino heran.
“Dih, bawel. Gue mau beli bunga ….” Pandangan Nino mengedar. Entah bunga apa yang dia cari.
Kak Marsha menaruh bunga daisy di salah satu sudut toko. “Mau bunga apa?”
“Mawar kuning ada nggak?”
Aku tertegun, teringat kembali chat tiga hari lalu. Sontak mataku tertuju kepada Nino. Dia balas menatap, kemudian mengedipkan sebelah mata. Benar-benar penggoda ulung!
“Eh, No, biasanya cewek itu suka mawar merah, pink, putih, atau ungu. Kenapa kamu pilih warna kuning? Buat apaan coba?” tanya Kak Marsha sambil menatap Nino.
Nino tampak sedikit tergeragap. Lalu tiba-tiba matanya mengarah kepadaku. “Karena mawar kuning melambangkan dimulainya persahabatan.”
Kak Marsha berdecak, “Aku udah lama jadi sahabat kamu, tapi nggak pernah kamu kasih bunga. Pilih kasih!”
“Cerewet lo nggak ilang-ilang, ya. Ada nggak, sih, mawar kuningnya?” Wajah Nino terlihat mulai kesal.
“Hobi marah dipelihara,” ejek Kak Marsha sambil meraih mawar kuning di pot besar ujung kanan ruangan.
Lihatlah! Keduanya seperti Tom and Jerry yang tak pernah akur. Sembari menahan tawa, aku mengempaskan diri di kursi belakang counter. Tak disangka, Nino mendekat lalu duduk di kursi depanku.
“Makan, yuk!”
Ekor mataku melirik jam beker di meja. Baru jam sepuluh pagi. Terlalu terlambat untuk sarapan, tetapi juga terlampau dini untuk makan siang.
“Gue belum sarapan,” celetuknya. Mungkin dia menyadari keherananku.
Aku melirik Kak Marsha yang tampak serius merangkai mawar kuning menjadi buket menarik. Setelahnya pandanganku kembali terpancang kepada wajah pria di depanku. Kini, aku memencet keypad ponsel dan menunjukkannya kepada Nino.
‘Sorry, aku nggak bisa ninggalin toko di luar jam makan siang.’
Tatapan Nino menghunjam ke arahku setelah membaca tulisan. Dia menyandarkan punggung di kursi sambil bersedekap. “Kalo gitu, gue tunggu sampe jam makan siang.”
Eh? Maksudnya apa coba? Apa dia tidak ada hal faedah lain sampai harus menghabiskan dua putaran jarum jam demi menungguku? Sepertinya naluri bos sudah mendarah daging dalam diri Nino. Sampai-sampai dia benci penolakan.
“Selesai!”
Seruan Kak Marsha mencacah habis lamunanku. Nino tampak mengambil dompet di saku celana, lalu mengeluarkan beberapa lembar uang.
“Eh, kelebihan ini,” tolak Kak Marsha saat Nino meletakkan uang di meja.
“It’s okay. Buat lo.”
Senyum Kak Marsha merekah. Tak lupa dia mengedip-ngedip manja ke arah Nino. “Sering-sering beli bunga di sini, ya, No.”
Aku mengulum senyum saat melihat Nino memutar bola matanya. Sementara itu, Kak Marsha tergelak sembari melangkah menuju rak bunga.
Untuk beberapa saat pandanganku dan Nino beradu. Saat hendak mengalihkan perhatian ke layar ponsel, dia menyodorkan buket ke arahku.
“Nih, buat lo.”
Aku tergugu, menelan ludah demi membasahi kerongkongan yang mendadak kering. Bahkan, Kak Marsha pun langsung mengalihkan pandangan dari bunga crysant ke arahku dan Nino.
“Mawar kuning adalah tanda dimulainya persahabatan, ‘kan? Jadi, gue ngasih ini ke lo,” imbuh Nino. Tangannya masih menggantung di udara.
Mataku terpaku ke buket berisi sekodi mawar kuning. Meski sudah ribuan hari bergelung dengan bunga, tetapi mendapat buket cantik dari seorang pria jelas memberi efek berbeda. Ada denyar-denyar halus yang merambat pelan memenuhi ruang hatiku. Bahagia? Entahlah. Aku sendiri masih dibekap bingung.
Ah, Nino memang pandai membuat orang jadi gila.
***
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